2-8-0 Consolidation Live Steam Chassis-on-air

Our 7 1⁄2 - inch gauge live steam USRA 2-8-0 Switch Engine is offered as a completed ready-to-run locomotive chassis-on-air.

We fully machine, paint or plate and assemble all of the castings and parts required to build a completed, working 2-8-0 locomotive "chassis-on-air."

Benefits of our chassis-on-air offering:

  • Ready-to-run chassis-on-air: Saves you time and mistakes, guarantees results
  • Precision CNC machined: Greater accuracy, better finishes, smoother running
  • Hardened and ground parts: Less wear, longer life expectancy
  • Powder coated: Long-term protection and durability
  • Fully assembled: Our experience saves you time and guesswork
  • Tested and adjusted: We make it run right before we deliver it
  • Ready for custom finishing by the hobbyist: Add your own finishing detail

 2-8-0 Assemblies:

  1. Frame
  2. Drivers & Axles
  3. Spring Rigging
  4. Brake Rigging
  5. Cylinders
  6. Valve Gear
  7. Side Rods
  8. Main Rods

What is a "chassis-on-air"?

  • This stage of locomotive completion is what we call a chassis-on-air. The fully machined, painted, plated and assembled chassis-on-air can actually be "run" for testing or demonstration purposes by supplying compressed air to the cylinders.

    Testing the completed chassis by running it on compressed air confirms that all of the machine work and assembly of the locomotive chassis has been performed correctly before you move on to the next phase of construction.

    And more...
  • In addition to providing you with a chassis on air, we can also provide you with a completed and pressure tested boiler.
  • We can then put you in contact with a number of other qualified suppliers who specialize in a variety of additional items needed to complete your locomotive.

    Their offerings include everything from injectors, check valves, safety valves, water gauges, pressure gauges, pumps, hand rail components, etc., to completed tender tanks and even ready-to-run tenders.
Our chassis-on-air approach gets your 2-8-0 building project going fast and helps get you on the track sooner:
  • We realize that many first time builders get bogged down with the tedious precision machine work required to build their locomotive chassis. Consequently, we offer a solution that gives builders a "running" head start on their locomotive building project.
  • Our 2-8-0 Switch Engine is designed to put a high quality, CNC-machined chassis within the reach of hobbyists without requiring them to have either extensive machining experience or as elaborately equipped machine shops.
  • This approach allows you to custom finish and detail the rest of the locomotive and tender according to the railroad that you want to model after and your own desires.

USRA 2-8-0 Switch Engine Chassis-on-air Specifications

Drivers: 13 Spoke x 7 1/4" Diameter
Cylinder Bore: 2.250" Diameter
Cylinder Stroke: 3.500"
Piston Valves: 1.250" Diameter
Overall Length of Frame & Pilot Beam: 59"

USRA 2-8-0 Optional Smoke Box and Boiler Specifications

Smoke Box: 11 1/4" Diameter
Boiler: 10" Nominal Diameter (10 3/4" actual OD) x 52 Tubes

USRA 2-8-0 Switch Engine Chassis-on-air Quality Features

Castings: Top Quality Castings from Top Quality Commercial Foundries
Accuracy: Precision CNC Machine Work
Axles: Hardened and Ground
Axle Bearings: Needle Roller Bearings
Crank Pins: Hardened and Ground
Side Rod Bearings: Needle Roller Bearings
Main Rod Bearings: Needle Roller Bearings
Cylinder Block: One Piece Casting, Fully Cored Including All Intake & Exhaust Passages, Very Free Breathing
Baker Valve Gear Frame: Silicon Bronze Casting
Baker Valve Gear Internals: Stainless Steel Lost Wax Investment Castings
Spring Rigging: Fully Equalized
Brake Rigging: Fully Equalized
Paint: Powder Coated

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